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How to Evaluate Augmented Reality Solutions An AR solution is an easy-to-use tool that can be just as easy to implement. You can use this three-step process to help you evaluate AR solutions, make the best decision for your needs, and start experiencing the power of AR for yourself. Step 1: Define Your Requirements Before you decide on an AR solution, you want to make sure it provides the features and capabilities that are most important for your needs. Developing a list of these requirements will give you a well-defined process for evaluating specific vendor solutions. Here are some questions you'll want to answer as you define your specific requirements: What are the hardware requirements of the solution? Why it's important: An AR solution that pairs a powerful positioning system with a readily available device like a smartphone makes the tool accessible to a range of users. Operation of a system via mobile app is straightforward and intuitive. The user is able to see the 3D model overlaid onto the physical location in real- time using the smartphone's built-in camera. Sensors in the positioning system detect when the user moves or changes their field of view and automatically correct the 3D overlay to maintain its position. The user is able to visualize the design in accurate context, with no special training or skills required. Does the solution include integrated data visualization and modeling software? Why it's important: Data visualization and modeling software integrated into the solution allows for accurate placement of richly detailed 3D models. Software capable of interpreting the 3D data embedded in 2D models—like the 3D information typically embedded as attributes in 2D GIS subsurface models—automatically transforms complex two-dimensional data into easily visualized three-dimensional models. Inclusion of a cloud-based collaborative platform where georeferenced digital content can be optimized, stored, and then accessed for use on the AR device further enables all users of the solution to access and interact with the same 3D data. Does the solution offer GNSS integration? Why it's important: Some systems use either the low accuracy phone GPS or a backpack mounted receiver that does not accurately co-locate the GPS/GNSS antenna and the AR camera. An AR system with a high accuracy GNSS receiver that is physically connected and co-located with a mounted handheld device like a smartphone creates a known relationship between the GNSS satellite positioning system and the AR camera for the best possible accuracy. This allows you to achieve accurate positioning of the model to your physical location. The added integration of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) continuously updates the user's exact location and orientation, compensating for drift errors in the AR system, to ensure the models are in the right place with centimeter-level accuracy over time and distance. This diagram illustrates the basics of GNSS with SiteVision

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